broken
11 synonyms and 1 antonyms for broken, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Separated into pieces; fractured or shattered.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use broken
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English brocen, the past participle of the verb "to break," inherited from a common Germanic root.
Full origin of broken →Frequently asked questions
What does “broken” mean?
The word “broken” means separated into pieces; fractured or shattered. In plain terms, in pieces, not working, or emotionally crushed — the past participle of "break" used as an adjective.
How do you pronounce “broken”?
“Broken” is pronounced BROH-kn (/ˈbɹoʊ.kɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “broken” in a sentence?
Here is “broken” used in a sentence: “She swept up the broken glass from the floor.”
What is another word for “broken”?
Words with a similar meaning to “broken” include banjaxed, bum, busted, fractured and ruptured.
What is the opposite of “broken”?
The opposite of “broken” — its antonyms — is intact.
What part of speech is “broken”?
“Broken” is an adjective.
Where does the word “broken” come from?
The word “broken” comes from Old English. From Old English brocen, the past participle of the verb "to break," inherited from a common Germanic root.
Is “broken” a common word?
“Broken” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
What is the difference between broken and cracked?
Something cracked has a split or fracture line but usually still holds together in one piece. Something broken has gone further — it is separated into pieces, snapped, or no longer works. A cracked phone screen still functions, whereas a broken one often does not.
Does broken always mean in pieces?
No. Its most literal sense is separated into pieces, like a broken plate, but broken has wider uses. A broken machine no longer works, a broken promise has not been kept, broken English is halting and imperfect, and a broken heart describes deep emotional hurt.
Is it 'broke' or 'broken'?
'Broken' is the past participle, used with a helping verb or as an adjective — 'he has broken it', 'the vase is broken'. 'Broke' is the simple past, used alone — 'he broke it yesterday'. Saying 'it is broke' is nonstandard; the correct form is 'it is broken'.
What is the opposite of broken?
It depends on the sense. For something in pieces, the opposites are whole, intact, and unbroken. For something that has stopped working, the opposites are working, functioning, or fixed. A repaired object moves from broken back to fixed or as good as new.